Meanings of 巫
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About 巫
Podcast: 巫
Podcast: 巫
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AI Study Notes for 巫
巫 (wū) vs 僧 (sēng) — use 巫 for spiritual practitioners associated with magic or witchcraft, while 僧 refers specifically to Buddhist monks.
Imagine a wizard (巫) wearing a flowing robe (the top part of the character resembles a cloak) with a mystical staff (the vertical line) that channels magical energy. The sound 'wū' can be remembered by thinking of 'wooing' someone with a spell, emphasizing the enchanting nature of a sorcerer.
In informal contexts, 巫 can be used to describe someone who practices witchcraft or engages in spiritual practices, while in formal contexts, it may refer to historical or folkloric figures. Common mistakes include confusing it with other similar-sounding words or mispronouncing it as 'wǔ,' which has a different meaning. It often appears in phrases related to spirituality or traditional medicine.
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, 巫 can be useful for learners interested in folklore or cultural studies. It connects with other HSK-level words related to traditional practices in China. Focus on pronunciation and recognizing its cultural significance in stories and historical texts.
巫 has deep roots in Chinese history, particularly in the practices of ancient shamanism and folk religion, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. This character embodies the profound respect for spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
Learners often confuse 巫 with similar characters like 妖 (yāo, meaning monster or demon) due to their thematic overlap. For example, saying '她是一个巫妖' (Tā shì yīgè wū yāo) incorrectly implies 'she is a witch demon,' when it should be '她是一个巫师' (Tā shì yīgè wūshī) for 'she is a witch.'
Pronunciation of 巫
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Etymology of 巫
Depicts some sort of object used by shamans. The exact nature of this object is unclear.
A cross-shaped divining rod
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 巫?
Decomposition of 巫
Identify the Components
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Write 巫
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Practice writing 巫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 巫
巫 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
男____通常用魔杖来施魔法.
Wizards usually use magic wands to perform spells.
Example Sentences for 巫 (2)
Cultural Notes for 巫
巫 has deep roots in Chinese history, particularly in the practices of ancient shamanism and folk religion, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. This character embodies the profound respect for spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 巫
Compound Meaning
What does 巫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巫
巫 specifically refers to shamans or traditional practitioners, while 魔法师 refers to a wizard or magician in a more Western sense.
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